This book covers both the pre-quantum and post-quantum development of theoretical physics in a straightforward but fairly rigorous style. Unlike most modern physics courses which gloss over the basic physic subjects in preference to specialised topics like solid state physics, electronics, plasma physics, nanotechnology, cosmology, astrophysics and computer science, this book brings together the various branches of theoretical physics on one platform to give a panoramic view of the subject. The first four chapters of the book deal with the classical topics of Hamiltonian mechanics, theories of relativity, electromagnetic theory of radiation and thermodynamics. They are followed by chapters on atomic spectra and quantum mechanics, spectra of diatomic molecules, quantum theory of radiation, statistical mechanics, and nuclear and particle physics. Guided exercises form a unique feature of this book. The broad coverage of topics in theoretical physics makes this book an invaluable reference for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students of all branches of physics as well as research workers and physics teachers. The book will also serve for a foundation course for allied subjects such as astrophysics, geophysics, meteorology, laser physics and plasma physics.
K D Abhyankar (June 1928 to November 2007), former chairman of the Department of Astronomy, Osmania University, and director of Nizamiah and Japal-Rangapur Observatories, spearheaded the growth of astrophysics in India. He was instrumental in laying the foundation in 1972 of the Astronomical Society of India, which he served in various capacities. Several of his students went on to become astronomers of the future. A recipient of the Andhra Pradesh Government's Best Teacher Award in 1984, Professor Abhyankar's theoretical work in stellar and planetary atmosphere and binary stars is internationally acclaimed. He has published more than 150 research papers and numerous popular articles. He is the author of two books on astrophysics—one on stars and galaxies and the other on solar physics, both published by Universities Press—as well as a scholarly and thought-provoking monograph on pre-Siddhantic astronomy in India. Professor Abhyankar passed away in November 2007 while working on this book.
A W Joshi, after obtaining his PhD from the University of Pune, worked at research and teaching at the TIFR, Mumbai, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, Bristol, CCS University, Meerut, and HP University, Shimla, before moving to the University of Pune in 1984. He retired from the university in 2002, after which he worked as an Honorary Visiting Scientist at the National Centre for Radio Physics, TIFR, till recently. Professor Joshi has contributed several papers in journals and has also written for general readers—school children and college students. He has written six books, two of which are in Marathi and one in Hindi, and edited three others. Some of these books have been translated into Chinese, Persian and other languages.
